What the codice fiscale is and who issues it

Purpose

Italian tax-ID used for everything: paying taxes, opening a bank account, registering with the national health system (SSN), signing a lease, buying a SIM card, etc.

Issuer

Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency). The number is generated by the central Tax Register and printed on a green plastic card called Tessera Sanitaria.

For Italian newborns the code is assigned automatically when the municipality registers the birth. Everyone else—Italians born abroad, EU citizens, and non-EU citizens—must request it.

Documents you will need

Mandatory

Optional

  • Italian entry visa (for non-EU citizens)
  • Proof of residence in Italy or abroad (utility bill, rental contract, etc.) if you want the card mailed to you
  • Delegation letter + copy of delegate’s ID if someone files on your behalf (see § 3-B)

Ways to obtain the codice fiscale

In person at an Agenzia delle Entrate office

  • Find the right office (see regional notes below).

  • Book an appointment: most offices now require a slot booked through the “Prenota on-line” portal or by phone.

  • Bring the documents listed above. The clerk verifies them, prints a paper slip with your number immediately, and orders the plastic card, which arrives by post in 2-6 weeks.

Through a delegate

This is useful if you are still abroad. Since March 2025 most Italian consulates no longer issue the number directly; you must authorise someone in Italy to file Form AA4/8 for you. The delegate hands in:

  1. the completed AA4/8
  2. a signed authorisation letter
  3. copies of both parties’ IDs.
When you apply for immigration or health services

  • Sportello Unico Immigrazione / Questura automatically requests a fiscal code while processing your first permesso di soggiorno (stay permit).

  • Local Health Authorities (ASL/USL) can issue the code while registering you for the Tessera Sanitaria.

  • Many universities in Lombardy, Veneto and Lazio submit the request for exchange students at enrolment.

Filling Form AA4/8 (high-level checklist)

  1. Quadro A – tick “Attribuzione del Codice Fiscale”.

  2. Quadro B/C – personal data (exactly as on passport).

  3. Quadro D/E – Italian or foreign address to which the card should be mailed.

  4. Quadro F – tick if you want a duplicate of the health card.

  5. Sign and date; minors sign through a parent/guardian.

Tip: print in black ink only, do not staple attachments, and leave the frames for office use blank.

Regional differences you may notice

Region / area

Practical Differences

Lombardy & Veneto

Large universities (e.g., Milan, Padua) run on-campus Agenzia counters at the start of term.

Emilia-Romagna & Trentino-Alto Adige

Local Health Authority (USL/APSS) often handles the entire process; you walk out with a provisional code printed on its letterhead.

Liguria & Tuscany

Agency offices work by appointment only and issue the code on paper the same day; Tessera Sanitaria arrives by post. Offices in Lucca & Viareggio are open every weekday morning 08:30-12:45, plus Tue/Thu 14:00-15:30 during high season.

Rural Sardinia & Sicily

Some small towns have “sportello decentrato” days (e.g., one Tuesday per month). Check the municipality website.

Step-by-step example – Pietrasanta (LU)

  1. Choose the nearest office

    • Sportello Agenzia delle Entrate – Pietrasanta
      Via Aurelia Sud 14, 55045 Pietrasanta – tel. 0583 1796 111 

    • Larger Ufficio Territoriale Viareggio (covers all Versilia): 15 min by train; same morning hours + Tue/Thu afternoon. 

  2. Book a slot

    • Go to prenotazioniservizi.agenziaentrate.gov.it → UT Viareggio → “Attribuzione CF”.

    • Or call 800 90 96 96 (from abroad +39 0696 966 890).

  3. Prepare your packet

    • Passport + copy

    • Filled Form AA4/8 (download link above)

    • If a friend files for you: delegation letter + their ID copy.

  4. Appointment day

    • Arrive 10 min early; security will ask for your booking code.

    • The clerk checks documents, prints a paper certificate (attestazione di attribuzione). Keep several copies.

  5. After 2-6 weeks

    • The Tessera Sanitaria with the code on the front and magnetic stripe on the back is mailed to the address you put in Quadro D/E. If it does not arrive, request a duplicate online (Duplicato Tessera) or by calling the office.

Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Lost code – ask any Agenzia desk for a free duplicate or download a PDF certificate with SPID/CIE login.

  • Incorrect data – file Form AA4/8 again ticking “Variazione dati”.

  • Multiple codes – bring both numbers; the office merges them and cancels the duplicate.

  • No appointment slots – try neighbouring offices (e.g., Massa-Carrara) or visit shortly before closing; no-show slots are often released then.

  • Delegating from abroad – attach a colour scan of your passport and add the phrase “Delego il Sig./la Sig.ra ____ a presentare la richiesta AA4/8 in mio nome.”

Quick reference links